Project modelling irrigation water use through satellite technology progresses

Abstract

Irrigated agriculture Project modelling irrigation water use through satellite technology progresses A Water Research Commission (WRC)-funded project team, using a novel approach to estimate the total area and water use associated with irrigated agriculture in South Africa, is seeking feedback on the initial findings. Article by Sue Matthews. Feature According to the National Development Plan published by government in 2012, agriculture has the potential to create close to a million new jobs by 2030, but one of the actions needed to achieve this is to expand irrigated agriculture. “Evidence shows that the 1.5 million hectares under irrigation (which produce virtually all South Africa’s horticultural harvest and some field crops) can be expanded by at least 500 000 hectares through the better use of existing water resources and developing new water schemes,” the document states. During the intervening five years, these sentiments have been called in to question by various roleplayers from government, academia and agribusiness.

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